It is equally important to know what is not associated with teething. Although a low temperature elevation may be present, teething is usually not the cause of a high fever. It is also not responsible for gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.

The reason why it is important to know what is not associated with teething is because the parents may attribute these symptoms to teething when in fact there may be a more serious illness present.

How should the symptoms of teething be treated?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends applying something cold to the gums. The cold temperature acts as an anesthetic and helps relieve the pain.

This can be accomplished by applying refrigerated teething rings or pacifiers to the gums. Some innovative parents have applied very cold bagels or bananas to the gums.

If the baby appears irritable or in discomfort, small doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen can be given.

There are treatment modalities presently being used that are not recommended.

Teething gels are an example because they contain lidocaine or benzocaine. The Food and Drug Administration recently reviewed 22 case reports of serious adverse reactions and deaths in children 5 months of age to 3-1/2 years who either accidentally ingested 2.5 percent lidocaine or were given it to relieve pain from teething.

Although teething is not associated with any serious illness, parents are unhappy and saddened to see their little ones uncomfortable or irritable due to symptoms associated with teething.

The good news is that the symptoms usually do not last too long and treatment is available to help provide some relief.

Dr. Murray Feingold is the physician in chief of The Feingold Center for Children, medical editor of WBZ-TV and WBZ radio, and president of the Genesis Fund. The Genesis Fund is a nonprofit organization that funds the care of children born with birth defects, mental retardation and genetic diseases.